Influence of Maternal Trace Elements Status of Zinc, Copper and Iron on Some Neonatal Parameters

Abstract

Background: Birth weight is important to infant survival and later health as Low birth weight is still a major health problemin developing countries like Nigeria.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal serum zinc, copper and iron concentrations and neonatal parameters (birth weight, length and head circumference). 

Methods: A Case-Control study was conducted on women who delivered low birth weight infants (cases) and normal birth weight infants(controls).Onehundred women volunteered to be part ofthis research which was conducted from the 1^st June to 12^nd July,2016.

Results: 50 cases ofinfants with low birth weight [2.01(1.5)Kg] and their mothers were the case group while 50 infants with normal birth weight [3.12 (2.3)Kg] and mothers were controls. Maternal serum zinc [9.1 (1.8)μmol/L vs 12.4(3.3)μmol/L], copper [14.3 (2.2)μmol/L vs 17.9 (3.7)μmol/L] and iron [21.3 (1.7) μmol/Lvs 27.8(3.2)μmol/L], concentrations were significantly lorver in case group than in control group, p<0.05. There were significant direct correlations betveen neonatal parameters (birth weight, length and head circumference) and maternal serum zinc levels however, no correlation was observed in copper and iron concentrations.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that maternal zinc status affects birth weight and prematurity.